Step and extension ladder.



PATENTED AUG. 2, 1904.

A. HARTZLER. STEP AND EXTENSION LADDER.

APPLIOATIOH FILED APR. 6, 1904.

2 SHEETS-SHBET 1.

N0 MODEL.

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No. 766,246. PATENTED AUG. 2, 1904. A. HARTZLER. STEP AND EXTENSIONLADDER.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 6, 1904.

H0 MODEL. 2 SHBBTS-SHBET 2.

Witrgesses:

Patented August 2, 1904.

PATENT FFICE.

AARON HAI TZLER, OF GOSHEN, INDIANA.

STEP AND EXTENSION LADDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 766,246, dated August2, 1904.

Application filed April 6. 1904.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, AARON HARTZLER, a citizen of the United States,residing at the city of (,i'OSllQI'l, county of Elkhart, State ofIndiana, have invented certain new and useful-1mprovements in Step andExtension Ladders, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in combination step and extensionladders.

The object of this invention is to provide an improved combination stepand extension ladder which may be readily adjusted as a step or as anextension ladder and which is very rigid when adjusted for either use.

Further objects and objects relating to structural details willdefinitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and meansdescribed in the following specification.

The invention is clearly defined, and pointed out in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearlyillustrated in the accompanying drawings,forming a part of this speeification, in which Figure l. is a side elevation view of my improvedcombination step and extension ladder adjusted as an extension-ladder.Fig. 2 is a detail longitudinal sectional view taken on a linecorresponding to line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detail longitudinalsectional view corresponding to that of Fig. 2 with the ladder adjustedas a step-ladder or trestle. Fig. 4c is an enlarged detail elevationview showing the details of one of the brackets B. Fig. 5 is an enlargeddetail elevation view showing one of the brackets or plates 7, adaptedto eoact with the bracket B in connecting the sections. Fig. 6 is adetail cross-sectional view taken on a line corresponding to line 6 6 ofFig. at. Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail elevation view showing one of thebrackets or plates f. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail elevation "iew of oneof the supporting-brackets C for the pivoted hooks C.

In the drawings the sectional views are taken looking in the directionof the little arrows at the ends of the section-lines, and simi-Serial'No. 201,906. (No model.)

lar letters of reference refer to similar parts throughout the severalviews.

Referring to the drawings, the front and rear sections A A are made upof the usual side bars or rails provided with suitable rounds. The frontsection A is narrower than the rear section A, so that when collapsedthe front section rests between the side bars or rails of the rearsection.

Secured to the inside of the side bars of the rear section at theirupper ends are brackets B. These brackets B are provided withinwardly-projecting flanges B at their forward edge, which are deflectedoutwardly at the bottom, as I). These brackets or plates are alsoprovided with inwardly-projecting riblike flanges B. which are adaptedto engage the ends of the side bars of the section A when the same isadjusted as a trestle or stepladder. The brackets B are also providedwith key-shaped grooves E on their inner faces. These grooves E areadapted to receive the projecting pins g of the plates g], which arearranged on the outer faces of the side bars of the front section. Thusarranged when the structure is adjusted as a step-ladder or trestle thepins engage the key-shaped slots and the projecting ribs on the bracketsengage the ends of the ladder, as before de scribed, thereby locking thesame and rigidly supporting the sections in their extended position.

The inner faces of the side bars of the rear section are provided withlongitudinal grooves F. The grooves F are provided with atransverseopening F toward their lower ends. The side bars or front section areprovided with 0utwardly-jn'ojecting pins f, which are adapted to engagethese grooves when the sections are collapsed for adjusting as anextension-lzulder.

Supporting-hooks (1, which are adapted to engage the rounds on the rearsection A, are -arried by the front section A. These supporting -hooksare pix'otally supported on suitable brackets G", which are secured onthe inner faces of the side bars or rails of the front section A towardtheir lower ends. The brackets are provided with inwardlyprojecting pins(Z to receive the hooks C. Springs 0 are provided for holding the hooksnormally inward. by suitable inwardly-projecting pins (Z on the bracketsc. The hooks C are provided with inwardly-projecting pivoted guards 0,which are adapted to prevent the engagement of the hooks with the roundswhen the front section is moved downwardly on the rear section. Theguards 0 are provided with counterweights The hooks C are provided withhand-pieces C for convenience in releasing. Suitable loops D areprovided to limit the movement of the hooks and assist in retaining themin position.

I/Vith the parts thus arranged when it is desired to use the structureas an extensionladder the sections may be closed together, so that thesection A rests upon the section A, with the pins f in engagement withthe groove F. The section Amay then be moved upwardly to the desiredpoint. The hooks (1, which are held inwardly by the spring, slide overthe rounds and engage the same.

As the upper end of the ladder slides between the ribs of the bracketsB, the parts are very securely retained together when adjusted in thisposition. If it is desired to adjust the same as a step-ladder ortrestle, the

hooks are released and the section A is freev to slide down and be swungout. In this movement the guards c guard the hooks, so that they do notengage with the rounds. As before remarked, when the ladder is adjustedas an extension-ladder the upper ends of the side bars of the section Aare engaged by the ribs onthe plates or brackets B, so that they aresecurely and rigidly supported. It is evident from the foregoingdescription that the parts of my improved ladder are very economical toproduce and readily assembled.

I have illustrated and described my improved step and extension ladderin detail in the form preferred by me. I am, however, aware that it iscapable of considerable variation in structural details withoutdeparting from my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a combination step and extension ladder, the combination of frontand rear sections, said front section being adapted to rest between theside bars of the rear section when collapsed together; brackets B,having inwardly-projecting flanges or ribs B B thereon and key-shapedgrooves E therein, arranged at the top of said rear section;outwardly-projecting pins on said front section adapted to engage saidgrooves E; longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of the side bars ofsaid rear section; outwardlyprojecting pins on said front section,arranged at the lower end thereof, adapted to engage said grooves whensaid These springs are carried sections are collapsed together; hooks Ohav ing outwardly-projecting finger-pieces C; pivoted guards 0 for saidhooks; brackets to which said hooks are pivotally secured carried bysaid front section; springs carried by said brackets adapted to holdsaid hooks normally inward; and loops D adapted to embrace thefinger-pieces C of said hooks, to serve as stops therefor, all coactingfor the purpose specified.

2. In a combination step and extension ladder, the combination of frontand rear sections, said front section ,being adapted to rest between theside bars of the rear section when collapsed together; brackets B havinginwardly-projecting flanges or ribs B B thereon and key-shaped grooves Etherein, arranged at the top of said rear section; outwardly-pro jectingpins on said front section adapted to engage said grooves E;longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of the side bars of said rearsection; outwardly-projecting pins on said front section, arranged atthe lower end thereof, adapted to engage said grooves when said sectionsare collapsed together; hooks O having inwardly-projecting finger-piecesC; pivoted guards 0 for said hooks; brackets to which said hooks arepivotally secured, carried by said front section; springs carried bysaid brackets adapted to hold said hooks normally inward, all coactingfor the purpose specified.

8. In a combination step and extension ladder, the combination of frontand rear sections, said front section being adapted to rest between theside bars of the rear section when collapsed together; brackets B,having inwardly-projecting flanges or ribs B B thereon and key-shapedgrooves E therein, arranged at the top of said rear section;outwardly-projecting pins on said front section adapted to engage saidgrooves E; longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of the'side bars ofsaid rear section; outwardly-projecting pins on said front section,arranged at the lower end thereof, adapted to engage said grooves whensaid sections are collapsed together; hooks pivotally secured to saidfront section; pivoted guards 0 for said hooks; and loops D adapted toembrace the finger-pieces C of said hooks, to serve as stops therefor,all coacting for the purpose specified.

4:. In a combination step and extension ladder, the combination of frontand rear sections, said front sections being adapted to rest between theside bars of the rear section when collapsed together; brackets B,having inwardly-projecting flanges or ribs B B thereon and key-shapedgrooves E therein, arranged at the top of said rear section;outwardly-projecting pins on said front section, adapted to engage saidgrooves E; longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of the side bars ofsaid rear section; outwardly projecting pins on said front section,arranged at the lowerend thereof, adapted to engage said grooves whensaid sections are collapsed together; hooks C having outwardlyprojectinglinger-pieces (7; brackets to which said hooks are pivotally secured,carried by said front section; springs carried by said brackets adaptedto hold said hooks normally inward; and loops D adapted to embrace thelinger-pieces C of said hooks, to serve as stops therefor, all coactingfor the purpose specified.

In a combination step and extension ladder, the combination of front andrear sections, said front section being adapted to rest between thesidebars of the rear section when collapsed together; brackets B, havinginwardly-projccting flanges or ribs B- B thereon and key-shaped groovesE therein,arranged at the top of said rear section; outwardly-projectingpins on said front section adapted to engage said grooves E;longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of the side bars of said rearsection; outwardly-projecting pins on said front section, arranged atthe lower end thereof, adapted to engage said grooves when said sectionsare collapsed together; hooks O having outwardly -pro iectinglinger-pieces C; brackets to which said hooks are pivotally secured,carried by said front section; and springs carried by said bracketsadapted to hold said hooks normally inward, all coacting for the purposespecified.

b. in a combination step and extension ladder, the combination offrontand rear sections, said front section being adapted to rest between theside bars of the rear section when collapsed together; brackets B,having inwardly-projecting flanges or ribs B B thereon and key-shapedgrooves E therein,arranged at the top of said rear section;outwardly-projecting pins on said front section adapted to engage saidgrooves E; longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of the side bars ofsaid rear section; outwardly-projecting pins on said front section,arranged at the lower end thereof, adapted to engage said grooves whensaid sections are collapsed together; hooks pivotally secured to saidfront section; and loops 1) adapted to embrace the linger-pieces C ofsaid hooks, to serve as stops therefor, all coacting for the purposespecified.

T. in a combination step and extension ladder, the combination of frontand rear sections, said front section being adapted to rest between theside bars of the rear section when collapsed together; brackets in whichthe side bars of the front sections are adapted to slide, havingkey-shaped grooves therein, arranged at the top of said rear section;outwardlyprojecting pins on said front section adapted to engage saidgrooves; longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of the side bars ofsaid rear section: outwardly-projecting pins on said front section,arranged at the lower end thereof, adapted to engage with said grooveswhen said sections are collapsed together; hooks pivotally secured tosaid front section; pivoted guards for said hooks; and springs forholding said hooks normally inward, for the purpose specilied.

8. In a combination step and extension ladder. the combination of frontand rear sections, said front section being adapted to rest between theside bars of the rear section when collapsed together; brackets in whichthe side bars of the front section are adapted to slide, havingkey-shaped grooves therein, arranged at the top of said rear section;outwardlyprojecting pins on said front section, adapted to engage saidgrooves; longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of the side bars ofsaid rear section; outwardlyprojecting pins on said front section,arranged at the lower end thereof, adapted to engage said grooves whensaid sections are collapsed together; hooks pivotally secured to saidfront section; and springs for holding said hooks normally inward, forthe purpose specified.

9. Ina combination step and extension ladder, the combination of frontand rear sections, said front section being adapted to rest between theside bars of the rear section when collapsed together; brackets in whichthe side bars of the front section are adapted to slide, havingkey-shaped grooves therein, arranged at the top of said rear section;outwardlyprojecting pins on said front section, adapted to engage saidgrooves; longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of the side bars ofsaid rear section; outwardly-projecting pins on said front section,arranged atthelowerend thereof, adapted to engage said grooves when saidsections are collapsed together; hooks pivotally secured to said frontsection; and pivoted guards for said hooks, for the purpose specified.

-10. In a combination step and extension ladder, the combination offront and rear sections, said front section being adapted to restbetween the side bars of the rear section when collapsed together;brackets in which the side bars of the front section are adapted toslide, having key-shaped grooves therein, arranged at the top of saidrear section; outwardlyprojecting pins on said front section, adapted toengage said grooves; longitudinal grooves in the inner faces of the sidebars of the said rear section; outwardlyprojecting pins on said frontsection, arranged at the lower end thereof, adapted toengage saidgrooves when said sections are collapsed together; and hooks pivotallysecured to said front section, for the purpose specified.

In witness whereof l have hereunto setmy hand and seal in the presenceof two witnesses.

E'ritnn A. 'lnnnnn, (has A. EARL.

